Mobile integration of user-specific institutional content

ABSTRACT

A system for integrating user-specific institutional content for mobile delivery is disclosed. The system includes a communications module configured to receive, from a mobile device, a request for target institutional content based on source institutional content and an identification of a user. The system also includes a processor configured to obtain, from a memory, the target institutional content based on the source institutional content and the identification of the user, and further configured to provide, to the mobile device in response to the request, the generalized institutional content in a format configured for display on the mobile device. Methods and machine-readable mediums are also disclosed.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present disclosure generally relates to computer software andhardware systems, and more particularly, to content delivery to mobiledevices.

2. Description of the Related Art

The ability of educators, including educational institutions, privatecorporations, and institutions of higher learning, to reach potentialstudents has generally been limited by geography. The advent ofnetworked computers and communications has afforded a partial solutionto these limitations. In particular, the widespread use and availabilityof electronic networks such as the Internet and the World Wide Web havemade it possible for educational institutions to overcome geographicdispersion and physical location as a barrier to education by providinginstitutions with the ability to provide institutional (e.g.,instructional) content over the network.

In many instances, mobile devices (e.g., personal digital assistants andcellular telephones) with network connections are capable of accessingthe instructional content using built-in network software, such as amobile web browser. The information these mobile devices access arelocated on existing or legacy network-based systems that are typicallynot configured for providing content for mobile viewing. The addition ofyet another network-based system that is configured to provideinformation configured for mobile viewing requires the host orsponsoring institution to incur implementation and maintenance costsassociated with the installation, integration, administration, andmaintenance of a new network-based system hosting otherwise duplicativeinformation. These costs hinder the widespread use of the mobile mediumfor educational purposes.

To the extent that institutions do provide instructional contentconfigured for viewing on mobile devices, they have relativelycomplicated and confusing user interfaces. Users of these mobile deviceswho require different types of information related to their institution,or require information to supplement a web page they are viewing, aretypically required to manually locate a subsequent web page or functionfrom among a large array of potential institutional pages to obtain theinformation they seek, thereby complicating the user's task ofinteracting with the system. For example, a student using a mobiledevice to view information on a class from a class directory on a mobileweb page for a university will often be required to manually seek out aseparate web page for a campus map, and thereafter manually locate theclass on the campus map web page. These complications further hinder thewidespread use of the mobile medium for institutional purposes.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure overcomes the problems of conventional systems bydisclosing a system that provides integrated, user-aware institutionalcontent configured for mobile viewing. Using a single, mobile userinterface, a user of the system has access to various types ofinformation provided by an institution. The mobile user interface isaccessible by various client devices. The system accesses existingnetwork-based systems of one or many institutions, thereby removing theneed for those institutions to provide separate, independent sources ofmobile content.

In certain embodiments of the disclosure, a system for generalizing theformat of instructional content for mobile delivery is disclosed. Thesystem includes a processor configured to identify institutional contentin a client-specific data file, and further configured to store, in amemory, the identified institutional content as generalizedinstitutional content. The system also includes a communications moduleconfigured to receive, from a mobile device, a request for thegeneralized institutional content. The processor is configured toprovide, to the mobile device in response to the request, thegeneralized institutional content in a format configured for display onthe mobile device.

In certain embodiments of the disclosure, a method for generalizing theformat of instructional content for mobile delivery is disclosed. Themethod includes identifying institutional content in a client-specificdata file, and storing, in a memory, the identified institutionalcontent as generalized institutional content. The method also includesreceiving, from a mobile device, a request for the generalizedinstitutional content, and providing, to the mobile device in responseto the request, the generalized institutional content in a formatconfigured for display on the mobile device.

In certain embodiments of the disclosure, a computer-readable mediumhaving computer-executable instructions for causing a processor toexecute instructions to generalize the format of instructional contentfor mobile delivery by performing certain steps is disclosed. The stepsinclude identifying institutional content in a client-specific datafile, and storing, in a memory, the identified institutional content asgeneralized institutional content. The steps also include receiving,from a mobile device, a request for the generalized institutionalcontent, and providing, to the mobile device in response to the request,the generalized institutional content in a format configured for displayon the mobile device.

In certain embodiments of the disclosure, a system for integratinguser-specific institutional content for mobile delivery is disclosed.The system includes a communications module configured to receive, froma mobile device, a request for target institutional content based onsource institutional content and an identification of a user. The systemalso includes a processor configured to obtain, from a memory, thetarget institutional content based on the source institutional contentand the identification of the user, and further configured to provide,to the mobile device in response to the request, the generalizedinstitutional content in a format configured for display on the mobiledevice.

In certain embodiments of the disclosure, a method for integratinguser-specific institutional content for mobile delivery is disclosed.The method includes receiving, from a mobile device, a request fortarget institutional content based on source institutional content andan identification of a user, and obtaining, from a memory, the targetinstitutional content based on the source institutional content and theidentification of the user. The method also includes providing, to themobile device in response to the request, the generalized institutionalcontent in a format configured for display on the mobile device.

In certain embodiments of the disclosure, a computer-readable mediumhaving computer-executable instructions for causing a processor toexecute instructions to integrate user-specific institutional contentfor mobile delivery by performing certain steps is disclosed. The stepsinclude receiving, from a mobile device, a request for targetinstitutional content based on source institutional content and anidentification of a user, and obtaining, from a memory, the targetinstitutional content based on the source institutional content and theidentification of the user. The steps also include providing, to themobile device in response to the request, the generalized institutionalcontent in a format configured for display on the mobile device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide furtherunderstanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of thisspecification, illustrate disclosed embodiments and together with thedescription serve to explain the principles of the disclosedembodiments. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a mobile delivery system forinstitutional content according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process forgeneralizing client-specific data.

FIG. 3A shows exemplary client-specific map data stored in aclient-specific data file at an institutional client.

FIG. 3B is exemplary source code for extracting the client-specific mapdata of FIG. 3A according to the process of FIG. 2.

FIG. 3C illustrates the extracted client-specific map data of FIGS.3A-3B stored in a generalized format according to the process of FIG. 2.

FIGS. 3D-3E are exemplary screenshots illustrating, in a mobile format,portions of the extracted client-specific map data of FIG. 3C.

FIG. 4A shows exemplary client-specific news data stored in aclient-specific data file at an institutional client.

FIGS. 4B-4D are exemplary screenshots illustrating, in a mobile format,portions of extracted client-specific news data.

FIGS. 5A-5C are exemplary screenshots illustrating, in a mobile format,portions of extracted client-specific athletics data.

FIGS. 6A-6D are exemplary screenshots illustrating, in a mobile format,portions of extracted client-specific events data.

FIGS. 7A-7C are exemplary screenshots illustrating, in a mobile format,portions of extracted client-specific videos data.

FIGS. 8A-8B are exemplary client-specific images data stored in aclient-specific data file in the client-specific data store at theinstitutional client.

FIGS. 8C-8E are exemplary screenshots illustrating, in a mobile format,portions of extracted client-specific images data.

FIGS. 9A-9B are each exemplary client-specific directory data stored ina client-specific data file in the client-specific data store at theinstitutional client.

FIGS. 9C-9E are exemplary screenshots illustrating, in a mobile format,portions of extracted client-specific directory data.

FIGS. 10A-10C are exemplary screenshots illustrating, in a mobileformat, portions of extracted client-specific courses data.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process for processingan integrated information request from a mobile device.

FIG. 12A is exemplary source code for processing an integratedinformation request for map data from course data according to theprocess of FIG. 11.

FIG. 12B is an exemplary screenshot illustrating, in a mobile format,the source course web page from which the integrated information requestfor map data processed in FIG. 12A was requested.

FIG. 12C is an exemplary screenshot illustrating, in a mobile format,the target map web page resulting from the integrated informationrequest for map data processed in FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13A is exemplary source code for processing an integratedinformation request for directory data from course data according to theprocess of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13B is an exemplary screenshot illustrating, in a mobile format,the source course web page from which the integrated information requestfor directory data processed in FIG. 13A was requested.

FIG. 13C is an exemplary screenshot illustrating, in a mobile format,the target directory web page resulting from the integrated informationrequest for directory data processed in FIG. 13A.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process for providinga user with user-specific options for viewing mobile content.

FIG. 15A is an exemplary screenshot illustrating, in a mobile format, auser authentication screen.

FIGS. 15B-15C are exemplary screenshots illustrating, in a mobileformat, the user-specific accounting option.

FIG. 15D is an exemplary screenshot illustrating, in a mobile format, auser-specific profile option.

FIGS. 16A-16B are exemplary screenshots illustrating institutionalcontent configured for different mobile devices.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a computer systemwith which the mobile delivery system for institutional content of FIG.1 can be implemented.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

There is a problem, in mobile institutional content delivery, of varioustypes of institutional content being too difficult to access,incorrectly formatted for mobile devices, and not targeted to a user.This and other problems are addressed and solved, at least in part, byembodiments of the present disclosure, which include a mobile deliverysystem for institutional content. In certain embodiments, the systemincludes a processor configured to identify institutional content in aclient-specific data file, and further configured to store, in a memory,the identified institutional content as generalized institutionalcontent. The system also includes a communications module configured toreceive, from a mobile device, a request for the generalizedinstitutional content. The processor is configured to provide, to themobile device in response to the request, the generalized institutionalcontent in a format configured for display on the mobile device. Incertain embodiments, the system includes a communications moduleconfigured to receive, from a mobile device, a request for targetinstitutional content of a second data type based on sourceinstitutional content of a first data type. The system also includes aprocessor configured to obtain, from a memory, the target institutionalcontent based on the source institutional content, and furtherconfigured to provide, to the mobile device in response to the request,the generalized institutional content in a format configured for displayon the mobile device.

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are setforth to provide a full understanding of the present disclosure. It willbe obvious, however, to one ordinarily skilled in the art that theembodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without some ofthese specific details. In other instances, well-known structures andtechniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure thedisclosure.

While many examples are provided herein in the context of an educationalinstitution, the principles of the present disclosure contemplate othertypes of organizations as well. For example, corporations andgovernmental entities (e.g., administrative or military) are allconsidered within the scope of the present disclosure. An institutionmay also be a consortium of schools and/or campuses. In general terms,an institution is an operating unit and is, itself, made up of differentoperating units that may correspond to campuses, colleges, departments,sub-departments, etc. The systems and methods described herein do notrequire any particular arrangement of operating units but, instead,allow the institution to model its organization into a hierarchy ofoperating units for purposes of management, planning, and reporting.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a mobile delivery system forinstitutional content 100 (hereinafter “system 100”) according tocertain embodiments. The system 100 includes a processor 102,communications module 104, and memory 108, each connected by acommunications bus 106. The system 100 is configured to be connected toone or many institutional clients 120 and one or many mobile devices 132over a network 118.

The system 100 can represent a computer or a laptop computer. In certainembodiments, with appropriate processing power, the system 100 canrepresent a server, a thin client, a personal digital assistant (PDA), aportable computing device, a mobile intelligent device (MID) (e.g., asmartphone), a software as a service (SAAS), or a suitable device with aprocessor 102 and memory 108. The system 100 can be stationary ormobile. The system 100 may also be managed by a host, such as over anetwork 118. The system 100 is wired or wirelessly connected to thenetwork 118 via a communications module 106. The communications module106 is connected to the network 118, for example, via a modemconnection, a local-area network (LAN) connection including theEthernet, or a broadband wide-area network (WAN) connection, such as adigital subscriber line (DSL), cable, T1, T3, fiber optic, or satelliteconnection. In the illustrated embodiment, the network 118 is theInternet, although in certain embodiments, the network 118 can be a LANnetwork or a corporate WAN network. The network 118 may include featuressuch as a firewall.

The computer-readable memory 108 of the system 100 includes ageneralization processing module 112, integration processing module 114,a user awareness processing module 116, and a generalized content datastore 110. The generalization processing module 112, integrationprocessing module 114, and a user awareness processing module 116 may bea single software application, individual software applications, or mayeach comprise multiple software applications. The generalizationprocessing module 112 stores computer-readable instructions executableby the processor 102 to receive client-specific data in one or manyclient-specific data files from the client-specific content data store130. Client-specific data includes, for example, data that is stored ina format specific to the client (e.g., institutional client 120), suchas a file format (e.g., PDF, TXT, and XML files) or format within thefile (e.g., a specific tag identifying a student may be given differentnames at different institutions). The generalization processing module112 stores computer-readable instructions executable by the processor102 to extract instances of client-specific data from theclient-specific content data file that match a target type. For example,the generalization processing module 112 is configured to parse throughthe client-specific content data files of the client-specific data store130 and extract client-specific data matching various data types,including, but not limited to, map data, news data, athletics data,events data, videos data, images data, directory data, and courses data,as discussed with reference to FIGS. 2-10C below. In certainembodiments, the data types are identified based on identifiersassociated with the client-specific data. For example, the identifiercan be a metatag, such as the metatag “name” for a student name. Asanother example, the identifier can be a comma and/or line format, suchas where certain types of data separated by commas appear in a certainorder. Additional details regarding identifying the data types toextract are discussed below, again with reference to FIGS. 2-10C.

Information from the client-specific content data store 130 is received,for example, from an institutional client 120 via its communicationsmodule 124 and the system's communications module 104 over the network118. The client-specific content data store 130 may store data invarious formats, including, but not limited to: a database, aSQL-extract, text file, web feed format such as an XML feed or ReallySimple Syndication (RSS) feed, Microsoft Excel® file, or Microsoft Word®file. In certain embodiments, the client-specific content data store 130is stored in memory 128 at the institutional client 120, such as in acomma separated file format, while in certain embodiments, theclient-specific content data store 130 is stored in memory 128 on athird-party server accessible by the system 100, such as in a web feedformat.

The generalization processing module 112 also stores computer-readableinstructions executable by the processor 102 to store the extracted datain the generalized content data store 110. For example, the extracteddata may be temporarily stored in volatile memory (e.g., RAM), or storedfor later use in non-volatile memory (e.g., a hard disk drive). Incertain embodiments, the extracted data that is stored as generalizeddata is platform-independent, e.g., it is not specific to any platform,model, or device type. In certain embodiments, the client-specific datacan be extracted directly from the client-specific content data store130 of the institutional client 120 upon request from a mobile device(“real-time”), where it may or may not be stored in the generalizedcontent data store 110. For example, if the client-specific content datastore 130 is dynamically or frequently updated, it may be beneficial toextract client-specific data from the client-specific content data store130 at the institutional client 120 in real-time, such that theextracted client-specific data is up-to-date. In certain embodiments,the client-specific data can be extracted on a predetermined schedule,whereupon it is stored in the generalized content data store 110. Forexample, if the client-specific content data store 130 is infrequentlyupdated or updated on a fixed schedule, it may be beneficial to extractclient-specific data from the client-specific content data store 130 atthe institutional client 120 on a predetermined schedule and store theextracted data in the memory of the system 100 (e.g., in the generalizedcontent data store 110) in order to reduce the processing burden of thesystem 100 in response to multiple requests, and to reduce the burden onthe network connection 118 between the system 100 and the institutionalclient 120. In certain embodiments, the generalized content data store110 is a database, such as a SQL database. Although in the illustratedembodiment the generalized content data store 110 is stored in thememory 108 of the system 100, in certain embodiments, the generalizedcontent data store 110 is stored in memory 128 at the institutionalclient 120.

The integration processing module 114 stores computer-readableinstructions executable by the processor 102 to receive an integratedinformation request for base-to-target data, obtain the target databased on the base information provided in the request, and then returnthe target data. For example, in response to an integrated informationrequest targeting a location of a building on a map requested over thenetwork 118 from a base web page of a mobile device 132 listinginformation on the building, the system 100 would obtain the location ofthe building on a map formatted for mobile viewing, and return the maphighlighting the location of the building to the mobile device 132. Thesystem 100 is configured to process various types of integratedinformation requests, including, but not limited to, a request fortarget maps data from a base course web page, a request for targetdirectory data from a base course web page, a request for targetdirectory data from a base events web page, a request for target mapsdata from a base events web page, a request for target maps data from abase directory web page, a request for target maps data from a basedining places web page, and a request for target maps data from a baselibrary web page. The target data can be obtained either in real-timedirectly from the institutional client 120, or from the generalizedcontent data store 110 of the system 100.

The user awareness processing module 116 stores computer-readableinstructions executable by the processor 102 to provide a user withoptions to access mobile institutional content that is specific to (or“aware of”) the user. For example, the mobile content can be specific tothe user's geographic location, account, social network, profile, andother information. The user may be identified by an authenticationsystem provided by the user awareness processing module 116, such as by,without limitation, a username, password, and/or other credentials forthe purposes of accounting, security, logging, and resource management.

The institutional client 120 can represent a computer or a laptopcomputer. In certain embodiments, with appropriate processing power, theinstitutional client 120 can represent a server, a thin client, apersonal digital assistant (PDA), a portable computing device, a mobileintelligent device (MID), a system as a service (SAAS), or a suitabledevice with a processor 122 and memory 128. The institutional client 120can be stationary or mobile. The institutional client 120 may also bemanaged by a host, such as over network 118. The institutional client120 may be physically located at the institution, such as at auniversity campus, or remotely located away from the actual campus.

The mobile device 132 can be a device configured for mobile use thatincludes a memory 140, processor 134, and communications module 136 thatcommunicate over a communications bus 138. Exemplary mobile devices 132include, but are not limited to, cellular telephones, MIDs, and PDAs.Well known mobile devices 132 that are configurable for use with thedisclosed system 100 include the Apple iPhone® and the BlackberryStorm®. Other mobile devices 132 from these and other manufacturers canalso be used. The mobile device 132 is configured to view thegeneralized content 110 of the system 100 using networking software 142,such as a web browser, that retrieves the generalized content 110 overthe network 118 using the mobile device's communications module 136.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process 200 forgeneralizing client-specific data. The process 200 proceeds frombeginning step 201 to step 202, in which a client-specific data file(e.g., from client specific content data store 130) is received from aclient (e.g., institutional client 120). A loop represented by steps 203to 207 is then repeated for each instance of client-specific data in theclient-specific data file. In decision step 204, if the instance ofclient-specific data matches a target type, then that instance isextracted in step 205 and optionally stored (e.g., in generalizedcontent data store 110) in step 206, and the process 200 proceeds to endloop step 207. In decision step 204, if the instance of client-specificdata does not match a target type, then the process 200 proceedsdirectly to end loop step 207. If in end loop step 207 any instances ofclient-specific data remain in the client-specific data file, theprocess 200 returns to decision step 204, otherwise the process 200 endsin end step 208.

Having set forth in FIG. 2 a process 200 for generalizingclient-specific data using the mobile delivery system for institutionalcontent 100 of FIG. 1, an example will now be presented using theprocess 200 of FIG. 2 and client-specific map data. The process 200proceeds from beginning step 201 to step 202, in which a client-specificmap data file is received by the system 100 from the client-specificcontent data store 130 of the institutional client 120. FIG. 3A showsexemplary client-specific map data 300 stored in a client-specific datafile at the institutional client 120. The client-specific map data 300is in a comma separated format, wherein each line-separated entry302-308 represents a building and includes a code 310, map name 312,latitude 314, longitude 316, street address 318, picture location 320,and description 322. In certain embodiments, the client-specific mapdata 300 is in the form of a SQL-extract, text file, XML feed, RSS feed,Microsoft Excel® file, or Microsoft Word® file.

Returning to the process 200, a loop represented by steps 203 to 207 isrepeated for each entry 302-308 of client-specific map data. FIG. 3B isexemplary source code 330 for steps 203 to 207 of the process 200 ofFIG. 2. For the first entry 302, it is determined in decision step 204that the instance of client-specific data, “AGC,” matches the targetdata type of code 310, indicating a unique location code attribute forthe building. Other target data types are analyzed including, but notlimited to, map name 312, latitude 314, longitude 316, street address318, picture location 320, and description 322, and handicapaccessibility.

The client-specific map data instance is extracted in step 205 andstored in the generalized content data store 110 in step 206. Theprocess 200 proceeds to end loop step 207, and repeats for the remaininginstances of client-specific map data for the first entry 302, and forthe remaining entries 304-308, thereby extracting, from theclient-specific map data file, all instances of client-specific map datathat match a target type. FIG. 3C illustrates a portion 340 of thegeneralized content data store 110 reflecting the extractedclient-specific map data of FIG. 3A in generalized format. The firstentry 302 of the client-specific map data 300 stored in aclient-specific data file is illustrated as a stored, generalized entry342. With the loop of steps 203-207 completed, the process 200 ends inend step 208.

FIG. 3D illustrates, in a mobile format, the first stored, generalizedentry 342 as a highlighted location 362 on a map image 360 of theassociated institution. The map image 360 may be retrieved using aweb-service that returns locations based on a search query. The mapimage is in a vector format file that is northward facing and to scale,thereby enabling global positioning system (GPS) compatibility andgeocode coordinated translations. The highlighted location 362 isdetermined using the extracted latitude 314 and longitude 316coordinates stored in the generalized content data store 110. The title364 of the highlighted location, “Amon G. Carter Hall,” is displayedfrom the extracted map name 312 stored in the generalized content datastore 110. The user may select the highlighted location 362 foradditional information on the highlighted location 362 (e.g., bydouble-clicking the location), and the user will be taken to theexemplary screenshot 370 illustrated in FIG. 3E. The screenshot 370includes additional information such as the street address 372 anddescription 374 of the highlighted location, respectively retrieved fromthe extracted street address 318 and description 322 stored in thegeneralized content data store 110. A picture of the highlightedlocation, although not illustrated, may also be viewed, retrieved fromthe extracted picture location 320 stored in the generalized contentdata store 110.

In addition to the generalized directory content illustrated above withreference to FIGS. 3A-3E, the system 100 is also configured to providegeneralized mobile content based on client-specific news and sports dataextracted from the client-specific content data store 130 according tothe process 200 of FIG. 2.

The system 100 is configured to access client-specific news and sportsdata based on selected target data types, such as selected target datatypes from RSS or XML feeds having categories (e.g., top news, aroundcampus, etc.) for selected items. Additional information to facilitatethe client-specific data extraction includes structure and hierarchyinformation about the categories of the RSS feed, as well as links tothe individual RSS feeds (e.g., for news stories) which would populateeach category.

FIG. 4A shows exemplary client-specific news data 400 stored in aclient-specific data file in the client-specific data store 130 at theinstitutional client 120. In certain embodiments, the client-specificnews data 400 is made available by the institutional client 120, but maybe located elsewhere, such as on a remote server as a web feed, asillustrated.

FIG. 4B is a screenshot 410 from a mobile device illustrating in amobile format various categories of the news data that were extracted inreal-time from the client-specific news data 400 of the client-specificcontent data store 130. FIG. 4C is a screenshot 420 illustrating in amobile format various news articles in the “Top News” category 422provided by the client-specific news data that was extracted inreal-time from the client-specific content data store 130. FIG. 4C is ascreenshot 430 illustrating in a mobile format a selected news articleprovided by the client-specific news data that was extracted inreal-time from the client-specific content data store 130.

FIG. 5A is a screenshot 510 illustrating in a mobile format variouscategories of the client-specific sports data that were extracted inreal-time from the client-specific content data store 130. FIG. 5B is ascreenshot 520 illustrating in a mobile format various sports articlesin the “News” category 522 provided by the client-specific sports datathat was extracted in real-time from the client-specific content datastore 130. FIG. 5C is a screenshot 530 illustrating in a mobile formatselected game scores provided by the client-specific sports data thatwas extracted in real-time from the client-specific content data store130.

The system 100 is also configured to provide generalized mobile contentbased on client-specific events data extracted from the client-specificcontent data store 130 according to the process 200 of FIG. 2. Thesystem 100 is configured to access client-specific events data based onselected target data types, such as selected target data types from RSSor XML feeds having categories (e.g., academic calendar dates, arts,etc.) for selected items. Additional target-type information tofacilitate the client-specific data extraction includes, but is notlimited to, start dates and times, end dates and times, unique eventidentifiers, locations, event descriptions, contact information, andcosts (if applicable).

FIG. 6A is a screenshot 610 illustrating in a mobile format variouscategories of the client-specific events data that were extracted inreal-time from the client-specific content data store 130. Each categoryis associated with a different color. In certain embodiments, othervisual or audio indications may be used to indicate categories, such asvarious shadings or audible alerts. FIG. 6B is a screenshot 620illustrating, in a mobile, day-view format, various events, color-codedby category, scheduled for Jan. 15, 2009, that were extracted inreal-time from the client-specific content data store 130. FIG. 6C is ascreenshot 630 illustrating in a mobile format detailed information on aspecific event that was extracted in real-time from the client-specificcontent data store 130. The detailed information includes a time 632 ofthe event, description 634 of the event, location 636 of the event,contact information 638 for the event, and a telephone number 640associated with the event. FIG. 6D is a screenshot 650 illustrating, ina mobile, month-view format, various events, color-coded by category,scheduled for Jan. 13, 2009, that were extracted in real-time from theclient-specific content data store 130.

The system 100 is further configured to provide generalized mobilecontent based on client-specific videos data extracted from theclient-specific content data store 130 according to the process 200 ofFIG. 2. The system 100 is configured to access and provideclient-specific videos data based on selected target data types, such asselected target data types from RSS or XML feeds listing videosassociated with the institution (e.g., on a school's servers) andinformation about those videos. The system 100 is also configured toaccess and provide client-specific videos data made available throughpublicly accessible websites. For example, the system 100 can access aYouTube® channel using an institution's user name and URL associatedwith YouTube®. In certain embodiments, the system 100 is configured toprovide videos compatible with mobile devices.

FIG. 7A is a screenshot 710 illustrating in a mobile format variouscategories (e.g., athletics, business) of the client-specific videosdata that were extracted in real-time from the client-specific contentdata store 130. FIG. 7B is a screenshot 720 illustrating, in a mobileformat, detailed information on a specific video that was extracted inreal-time from the client-specific content data store 130. The detailedinformation includes, in addition to the title 722 of the video, adescription 724 of the video, an author of the video 726, and apublishing date 728 of the video. FIG. 7C is a screenshot 730illustrating, in a mobile format, a listing of various videos that wereextracted in real-time from the client-specific content data store 130.In certain embodiments, the videos data may be provided from anothermobile device, such as by a user of the system 100 who captures thevideo using a video-capture device associated with his mobile device,and uploads the captured video to the system 100, where it is stored inthe generalized content data store 110.

The system 100 is further configured to provide generalized mobilecontent based on client-specific images data extracted from theclient-specific content data store 130 according to the process 200 ofFIG. 2. The system 100 is configured to access and provideclient-specific images data based on selected target data types, such asselected target data types from RSS or XML feeds, or data files storedin the client-specific content 130 of the institutional client 120.Additional target-type information to facilitate the client-specificdata extraction includes, but is not limited to, category names,category descriptions, category hierarchies, thumbnail URLs (e.g., witha size of 100 by 100 pixels), image titles, image content, imagecopyrights, and image detail URLs.

FIG. 8A shows exemplary client-specific images data 800, stored in aclient-specific data file (e.g., in XML format) in the client-specificdata store 130 at the institutional client 120, that providestarget-type information including category names 802, categorydescriptions 804, category hierarchies 806, thumbnail URLs 808, and aunique identifier 810. FIG. 8B shows exemplary client-specific imagesdata 820, stored in a client-specific data file (e.g., in XML format) inthe client-specific data store 130 at the institutional client 120, thatprovide target-type information including image titles 822, imagethumbnails 824, image content 826, image copyrights 828, image detailURLs 830, and a unique identifier 832. In certain embodiments, theclient-specific images data 800 and 820 are made available by theinstitutional client 120, but may be located elsewhere, such as on aremote server as an RSS feed, as illustrated.

FIG. 8C is a screenshot 840 illustrating in a mobile format variousimages, in thumbnail format, of the client-specific news images in the“Duke Wallpaper” category 842 that were extracted in real-time from theclient-specific content data store 130. FIG. 8D is a screenshot 850illustrating in a mobile format a selected image from the various imagesdisplayed in FIG. 8C. FIG. 8E is a screenshot 860 illustrating in amobile format an images search interface for the client-specific imagesdata that was extracted in real-time from the client-specific contentdata store 130.

The system 100 is yet further configured to provide generalized mobilecontent based on client-specific directory data extracted from theclient-specific content data store 130 according to the process 200 ofFIG. 2. For example, the client-specific content data store 130 can beavailable on and extracted from a Lightweight Directory Access Protocol(LDAP) server. The system 100 accesses the LDAP server using a URLaddress of the LDAP directory (e.g., ldap://ldap.school.edu) and a basedomain name (e.g., cn=People, dc=School, and dc=EDU). The system 100 isconfigured to access and provide client-specific directory data thatincludes target data types, such as unique identifiers (e.g., indicatedby the metatag ‘uid’), attributes of a person displayed to the end user,such as a display name (e.g., indicated by the metatag ‘display’),mailing address (e.g., indicated by the metatag ‘mail’), email address(e.g., indicated by the metatag ‘email’), fax number (e.g., indicated bythe metatag ‘fax’), and telephone number (e.g., indicated by the metatag‘phone’), and whether the directory entry has an equality index,substring index, or Soundex index.

In certain embodiments, the client-specific content data store 130 canbe available via another type of directory web-service (e.g., other thanLDAP) that provides a set of search results for a particular searchquery that consists of the name of all users (e.g., with their uniqueidentifiers) that match a particular query. For example, FIG. 9A showsexemplary client-specific directory data 900 from a client-specific datafile in the client-specific data store 130 at the institutional client120, that is generated in response to the search query “Smith.” FIG. 9Bshows exemplary client-specific directory data 920 from aclient-specific data file in the client-specific data store 130 at theinstitutional client 120, which is generated in response to the searchquery for a unique identifier for the directory entry associated withKen Smith.

FIG. 9C is a screenshot 930 illustrating in a mobile format variousdirectory entries that were extracted from the client-specific contentdata store 130 and stored in the generalized content data store 110 ofthe system 100. FIG. 9D is a screenshot 940 illustrating in a mobileformat a first portion of a selected directory entry from the variousdirectory entries displayed in FIG. 9C. The selected directory entryincludes the entry's type 942 (e.g., student), affiliation 944 (e.g.,academic department), mailing address 946, and email address 948. FIG.9E is a screenshot 950 illustrating in a mobile format a second portionof the selected directory entry of FIG. 9D. A user viewing the entry isprovided with the options of adding the entry information to the user'sfavorites 952, existing contacts 954, or as a new contact 956.

The system 100 is yet further configured to provide generalized mobilecontent based on client-specific courses data extracted from theclient-specific content data store 130 according to the process 200 ofFIG. 2. For example, the client-specific content data store 130 caninclude a database from which a client-specific course data file (e.g.,an extract in comma separated or Excel format) for a course catalog froma course management system (e.g., PeopleSoft, Sunguard Banner, andBlackboard) can be retrieved. The client-specific course data fileincludes information on courses available from the institution.

In certain embodiments, the system 100 is configured to access andprovide client-specific courses data that includes target data types,such as a department code (e.g., undergraduate), subject code (e.g.,POL, indicating political science), term code (e.g., 1096, correspondingto Fall 2009), course title (e.g., “Philosophy of Religion”), coursenumber (e.g., 101), day (e.g., Monday), start time (e.g., 12:30), endtime (e.g., 13:30), start date, end date, session code (e.g., a uniqueidentifier for a specific class), course type (e.g., lecture),instructor, location name (e.g., “McCosh”), location code (e.g.,“mcsh01,” corresponding to the code 310 value of the client-specificmaps data discussed above), room, unit credit, enrollment capacity, andcurrent enrolled total. In certain embodiments, the target data typesfor each course entry are included within a single row, and are providedas key-value pairs. The system 100 is also configured to provideextracted courses data information from the generalized content datastore 110 to a mobile device in a format compatible to particulardisplay characteristics associated with the courses, such as a groupingor individual display of related courses.

FIG. 10A is a screenshot 1010 illustrating in a mobile format variousschools of an institution that were extracted from the client-specificcourses data from the client-specific content data store 130 and storedin the generalized content data store 110 of the system 100, includingthe School of Engineering 1012. FIG. 10B is a screenshot 1020illustrating in a mobile format various departments of the School ofEngineering 1012 of FIG. 10A. FIG. 10C is a screenshot 1030illustrating, in a mobile format, information, on a selected course,extracted from the client-specific content data store 130 and stored inthe generalized content data store 110 of the system 100. Theinformation includes a course code 1032, course number 1034, coursetitle 1036, course description 1038, course term 1040, session code1042, course time 1044, course days 1046, course room 1048, and courseinstructors 1050.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process 1100 forprocessing an integrated information request from a mobile device 132using the mobile delivery system for institutional content 100 ofFIG. 1. The process 1100 proceeds from beginning step 1101 to step 1102,in which an integrated information request for base-to-target data isreceived from the mobile device 132. In step 1103, the system 100obtains target data (e.g., from generalized content data store 110)based on the base (or “source”) information provided in the integratedinformation request. In step 1104, the target data is provided to themobile device 132. The process 1100 ends in step 1105.

Having set forth in FIG. 11 a process 1100 for processing an integratedinformation request from a mobile device 132 using the mobile deliverysystem for institutional content 100 of FIG. 1, an example will now bepresented using the process 1100 of FIG. 11 and an integratedinformation request for client-specific map data. FIG. 12A illustratesexemplary source code 1210 (or an “integration hook”) for steps from theprocess 1100 of FIG. 11. The process 1100 proceeds from beginning step1101 to step 1102, in which an integrated information request forbase-to-target data, course-to-map data, is received from the mobiledevice 132. The request is initiated from the course information screen1220 illustrated in FIG. 12B, wherein a user has requested to see thelocation of the course 1224 on a map. In certain embodiments, theability to submit an integrated information request for target data isindicated by a right arrow 1222. Thus, a user seeking additionalinformation on the location “RH 203” 1224 can click on the arrow 1222associated with the location on the screen 1220. In step 1103, thesystem 100 obtains the target map data (e.g., from generalized contentdata store 110) based on the base information, the buildingidentification, provided in the integrated information request. In step1104, the target data, a map and the location of the building forlocation “RH 203” (i.e., “Dave C. Reed Hall”) on the map, is provided tothe mobile device 132, as illustrated in FIG. 12C. The process 1100 endsin step 1105.

Another example will now also be presented using the process 1100 ofFIG. 11 and an integrated information request for client-specificdirectory data. FIG. 13A illustrates exemplary source code 1310 forsteps from the process 1100 of FIG. 11. The process 1100 proceeds frombeginning step 1101 to step 1102, in which an integrated informationrequest for base-to-target data, course-to-directory data, is receivedfrom the mobile device 132. The request is initiated from the courseinformation screen 1320 illustrated in FIG. 13B, wherein a user hasrequested to see information on instructor Mary McKinney 1322. In step1103, the system 100 obtains the target directory data (e.g., fromgeneralized content data store 110) based on the base information, theinstructor's identification, provided in the integrated informationrequest. In step 1104, the target data, a directory listing for theinstructor, is provided to the mobile device 132, as illustrated in FIG.13C. The process 1100 ends in step 1105.

Although the examples for the processing of an integrated informationrequest from the mobile device 132 using the mobile delivery system 100of FIG. 1 disclose two types of integrated information requests, thesystem 100 is configured to process various types of integratedinformation requests using at least the various types of client-specificdata disclosed above. For example, the system 100 is configured toprocess an integrated information request in which target directory datais requested based on event data, such as where when an event listingincludes information on a contact person, and a user clicks on thatinformation, the system 100 returns the directory detail of the contactperson. As another example, the system 100 is configured to process anintegrated information request in which target maps data is requestedbased on event data, such as where when an event listing includesinformation on a location, and a user clicks on that information, thesystem 100 returns the location (e.g., indicated by a pin drop) of thatevent on a map. As yet another example, the system 100 is configured toprocess an integrated information request in which target maps data isrequested based on directory data, such as where when a directorylisting includes information on a location of the person (e.g., theiroffice address), and a user clicks on that information, the system 100returns the location (e.g., indicated by a pin drop) of that person on amap. As a further example, the system 100 is configured to process anintegrated information request in which target maps data is requestedbased on dining place data, such as where when a dining place includesinformation on the dining place's location, and a user clicks on thatinformation, the system 100 returns the location (e.g., indicated by apin drop) of that dining place on a map. As another example, the system100 is configured to process an integrated information request in whichtarget maps data is requested based on library data, such as where whena user searches for a book in a library that includes information on thelibrary's location (or the location of the book in the library), and auser clicks on that information, the system 100 returns the location(e.g., indicated by a pin drop) of the library (or the book in thelibrary) on a map.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process 1400 forproviding a user with user-specific options for viewing mobile content.The process 1400 proceeds from beginning step 1401 to step 1402 in whichthe user is authenticated. The user may be authenticated usinginformation such as a username and password associated with the user'saccount on the system 100. Next, in step 1403, the user is provided withuser-specific options, which include a geo-location based option (e.g.,location of the user on a map) processed in step 1404, an accountingoption (e.g., view outstanding balances) processed in step 1405, asocial networking option (e.g., view selected information from socialnetworking sites) processed in step 1406, a profile option (e.g., viewclass grades) processed in step 1407, and an administrative option(e.g., user name and password changes) processed in step 1408. After theuser has completed the user-specific option of steps 1404-1408, theprocess 1400 proceeds to decision step 1409 in which, if the userchooses to selects another user-specific option, the process 1400returns to step 1403, otherwise the process 1400 ends in step 1410. Incertain embodiments, at least two of these user-specific options can beused concurrently, as described in the examples below.

Having set forth in FIG. 14 a process 1400 for providing a user withuser-specific options for viewing mobile content using the mobiledelivery system for institutional content 100 of FIG. 1, an example willnow be presented using the process 1400 of FIG. 14 and the accountingoption of step 1405. The process 1400 proceeds from beginning step 1401to step 1402 in which the user is authenticated. FIG. 15A is anexemplary screenshot 1500 illustrating, in a mobile format, a userauthentication screen wherein a user provides his username 1502 andpassword 1504 to the system 100. For example, in certain embodiments,the user authentication information that is provided may mirror theuser's authentication information associated with his university, suchas by using the user's university email address and associated passwordfor the authentication. The system 100, upon receiving thisauthentication information from the user at the user's mobile device132, can then provide this authentication information to the universitysystem, such as over an encrypted connection. If the authenticationinformation is accepted, the user can proceed. If, however, theauthentication information is not accepted (e.g., it is incorrect,invalid, or expired), then the user may be given another opportunity toprovide authentication information, or may be denied access. Next, instep 1403, the user is provided with user-specific options, from whichthe user selects the accounting option processed in step 1405. FIG. 15Bin an exemplary screenshot 1510 illustrating, in a mobile format, theuser's charges associated with his Spring 2007-2008 semester at hisuniversity. The displayed information includes a date 1512 for eachcharge, a description 1514 of each charge, an amount 1516 of eachcharge, and a total balance 1518 associated with the user's account. Theuser may view charges associated with other semesters at the university,as in FIG. 15C, an exemplary screenshot 1520 illustrating, in a mobileformat, the user's charges associated with his Autumn 2008-2009 semester1522, Summer 2007-2008 semester 1524, and Spring 2007-2008 semester1526, along with associated balances 1528. The user's charges are forpast statements 1530; current statements may also be viewed (notillustrated). The user also has an option to pay 1532 for the chargesassociated with his user account. For example, the user can associatehis user account on the system 100 with his bank account or credit card,and then pay outstanding balances using the bank account or credit card.After the user has completed the user-specific accounting option 1405,the user chooses to select another user-specific option in decision step1409, and the process 1400 returns to step 1403, from which the userselects the user-specific profile option 1407. FIG. 15D is an exemplaryscreenshot 1530 illustrating, in a mobile format, the user's coursehistory for the Winter 2007-2008 semester. The displayed informationincludes, for each course, a subject code 1532, course number 1534,course title 1536, grade 1538, grade type 1540, course type 1542, andunit credit 1544. After the user has completed the user-specific profileoption of step 1407, the user chooses not to select anotheruser-specific option in decision step 1409, and the process 1400 thenends in step 1410.

The user-specific geo-location based option of step 1404 allows a userto interact with the system 100 based on the user's geographic location.The user's geographic location can be obtained in various ways,including cellular phone triangulation or a GPS signal associated withthe mobile device 132. One exemplary user-specific geo-location use isto identify the location of the user on a map of the institution alongwith a point of interest of the user, such as where a course is offeredas illustrated in FIG. 3D. In certain embodiments, the system 100 canthen provide transportation data (e.g., directions for driving, walking,or by public transportation) to the point of interest. Another exemplaryuse is, in an emergency situation, a user having an administrator rolein the system 100 being able to view the locations of all users in thesystem 100 on a map of the institution. In this use, the administratormay view the map on a mobile or non-mobile device, while data on thelocation of the users is provided by their mobile devices 132.

The user-specific social networking option 1406 allows a user tointeract with the system 100 based on the user's social networks (e.g.,Facebook®, Twitter®, MySpace®, LinkedIn®). For example, a user mayprovide his social network identification information (e.g., Facebooklogin) to the system 100. The user's social network may identify anumber of associates (e.g., 1000 Facebook friends), a subset of which(e.g., 100 friends) are registered with the system. A subset of thoseassociates (e.g., 10 friends) who are currently providing theirgeo-location (e.g., are using a GPS-enabled mobile device 132 connectedto the system 100) can then be highlighted on a map on the user's mobiledevice (e.g., pinpoints of a first color on a map of the institutionthat identify the user's 10 friends, and a pinpoint of a second color onthe map that identify the user).

As another example, when a user registers for a class from his mobiledevice 132 using the system 100, the system 100 may publish to theuser's Twitter feed (or a Twitter feed associated with the class) thatthe user has registered for the class (e.g., “John has registered for CS103A”) for viewing by the user's Twitter followers or other classmateswho follow the Twitter feed for the class. As yet another example, auser at an educational institution can view Twitter feeds for athleticsteams of the educational institution. As a further example, a user ofthe system 100 can locate other students (e.g., friends from Facebook®or MySpace®) registered with the system 100 who are enrolled in the sameor related courses as the user. As yet another example, a user of thesystem 100 who desires to review a homework assignment or study for anexamination for a class with her nearby friends in the class can use thesystem 100 to locate her friends (e.g., friends from Facebook® orMySpace®) who are in a nearby geographical location according to thosefriends' mobile devices 132. Her friends, who are also registered withthe system 100, are identified by the system 100 as both being in thesame class, and her friends (e.g., by their Facebook® or MySpace®information provided to the system 100). As another example, a user ofthe system 100 can locate nearby friends (e.g., friends from Facebook®or MySpace®) who are in a nearby geographical location according tothose friends' mobile devices 132 and arrange a game of basketball.

As a further example, a user of the system 100 can send a message (e.g.,an instant message) to another user of the system 100 that includes acourse droplet configured to allow the other user to register for thecourse. As yet another example, the system 100 can identify a user'sassociated dining plan, and then, based on the user's current location,identify nearby dining halls that accepts the user's dining plan. Asanother example, the user-specific options presented to the user allowthe user to connect and interact with a learning management system withwhich the user has a user account, such as the learning managementsystems disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,988,138, 7,493,396, and 7,558,853,and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/470,739, filed May 22, 2009,which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Forexample, a user having an instructor role in the learning managementsystem interacting with the disclosed system 100 can update scheduledata for a course associated with the instructor. As another example, auser of the system 100 having a student role and searching for a tutorcan locate users having a teaching assistant role in the desired subjectarea.

As another example, the user-specific options presented to the userallow the user to connect and interact with transaction control systems,such as the electronic transactions system disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/476,136 filed Jun. 1, 2009, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety. For example, a userfrom her mobile device 132 can gain access to a restricted access areausing the system 100, connected to the electronic transactions systemover the network 118, if her user-account includes the appropriateuser-access privileges.

FIGS. 16A-16B are exemplary screenshots illustrating institutionalcontent configured for different mobile devices. FIG. 16A is an image1600 illustrating a graphical user interface to the system 100configured for a mobile device 132, specifically, an Apple iPhone®. FIG.16B is an image 1650 illustrating a textual user interface to the system100 configured for generic mobile devices 132, such a Blackberry Storm®.The mobile device user interface to the system 100 is configured to bemodular, and is further configured to be customized to the needs of theinstitutional client 120.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a computer systemwith which the mobile delivery system 100 for institutional content ofFIG. 1 can be implemented. In certain embodiments, the computer system1700 may be implemented using software, hardware, or a combination ofboth, either in a dedicated server, or integrated into another entity,or distributed across multiple entities.

Computer system 1700 (e.g., system 100) includes a bus 1708 (e.g.,communications bus 104 from FIG. 1) or other communication mechanism forcommunicating information, and a processor 1702 (e.g., processor 102from FIG. 1) coupled with bus 1708 for processing information. By way ofexample, the computer system 1700 may be implemented with one or moreprocessors 1702. Processor 1702 may be a general-purpose microprocessor,a microcontroller, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an ApplicationSpecific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array(FPGA), a Programmable Logic Device (PLD), a controller, a statemachine, gated logic, discrete hardware components, or any othersuitable entity that can perform calculations or other manipulations ofinformation. Computer system 1700 also includes a memory 1710 (e.g.,memory 108 from FIG. 1), such as a Random Access Memory (RAM), a flashmemory, a Read Only Memory (ROM), a Programmable Read-Only Memory(PROM), an Erasable PROM (EPROM), registers, a hard disk, a removabledisk, a CD-ROM, a DVD, or any other suitable storage device, coupled tobus 1708 for storing information and instructions to be executed byprocessor 1702. The instructions may be implemented according to anymethod well known to those of skill in the art, including, but notlimited to, computer languages such as data-oriented languages (e.g.,SQL, dBase), system languages (e.g., C, C++, Assembly), architecturallanguages (e.g., Java), and application languages (e.g., PHP, Ruby,Perl, Python). Instructions may also be implemented in computerlanguages such as array languages, aspect-oriented languages, assemblylanguages, authoring languages, command line interface languages,compiled languages, concurrent languages, curly-bracket languages,dataflow languages, data-structured languages, declarative languages,esoteric languages, extension languages, fourth-generation languages,functional languages, interactive mode languages, interpreted languages,iterative languages, list-based languages, little languages, logic-basedlanguages, machine languages, macro languages, metaprogramminglanguages, multiparadigm languages, numerical analysis,non-english-based languages, object-oriented class-based languages,object-oriented prototype-based languages, off-side rule languages,procedural languages, reflective languages, rule-based languages,scripting languages, stack-based languages, synchronous languages,syntax handling languages, visual languages, wirth languages, andxml-based languages. Memory 1710 may also be used for storing temporaryvariable or other intermediate information during execution ofinstructions to be executed by processor 1702. Computer system 1700further includes a data storage device 1706, such as a magnetic disk oroptical disk, coupled to bus 1708 for storing information andinstructions.

Computer system 1700 may be coupled via I/O module 1704 to a displaydevice, such as a CRT or LCD for displaying information to a computeruser. An input device, such as, for example, a keyboard, or a mouse mayalso be coupled to computer system 1700 via I/O module 1704 forcommunicating information and command selections to processor 1702.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a mobile deliverysystem for institutional content 100 can be implemented using a computersystem 1700 in response to processor 1702 executing one or moresequences of one or more instructions contained in memory 1710. Suchinstructions may be read into memory 1710 from another machine-readablemedium, such as data storage device 1706. Execution of the sequences ofinstructions contained in main memory 1710 causes processor 1702 toperform the process steps described herein. One or more processors in amulti-processing arrangement may also be employed to execute thesequences of instructions contained in memory 1710. In alternativeembodiments, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or incombination with software instructions to implement various embodimentsof the present disclosure. Thus, embodiments of the present disclosureare not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry andsoftware.

The term “machine-readable medium” as used herein refers to any mediumor media that participates in providing instructions to processor 1702for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including, but notlimited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media.Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, suchas data storage device 1706. Volatile media include dynamic memory, suchas memory 1706. Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire,and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise bus 1708. Commonforms of machine-readable media include, for example, floppy disk, aflexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, aCD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, anyother physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, aFLASH EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave, or anyother medium from which a computer can read.

The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system thatgeneralizes client-specific content, and stores the generalized contentin memory for delivery, in a mobile-compatible format, to a mobiledevice. The system provides a convenient interface for integratedrequests from the mobile device for target generalized content from abase mobile content page. The system yet further provides user-specificcontent formatted for mobile devices based on the generalized contentthat is extracted from an institutional client. Thus, a user can use hisweb-enabled cellular telephone to interact with various integratedapplications related to his educational institution, such as instantlyseeing the location of his friends on campus, finding out which classeshe shares with those friends, where the classes are located vis-à-vishis current position, the details of the instructors teaching theclasses, his scores in the classes, and viewing previous lectures fromthe classes.

Those of skill in the art would appreciate that the various illustrativeblocks, modules, elements, components, methods, and algorithms describedherein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, orcombinations of both. Furthermore, these may be partitioned differentlythan what is described. To illustrate this interchangeability ofhardware and software, various illustrative blocks, modules, elements,components, methods, and algorithms have been described above generallyin terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality isimplemented as hardware or software depends upon the particularapplication and design constraints imposed on the overall system.Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varyingways for each particular application.

It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps or blocksin the processes disclosed is an illustration of exemplary approaches.Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific orderor hierarchy of steps or blocks in the processes may be rearranged. Theaccompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in asample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order orhierarchy presented.

The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the various aspects described herein. Variousmodifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilledin the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied toother aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to theaspects shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistentwith the language claims, wherein reference to an element in thesingular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specificallyso stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically statedotherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. Pronouns in themasculine (e.g., his) include the feminine and neuter gender (e.g., herand its) and vice versa. All structural and functional equivalents tothe elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosurethat are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill inthe art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intendedto be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein isintended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether suchdisclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is tobe construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph,unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or,in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase“step for.”

While certain aspects and embodiments of the invention have beendescribed, these have been presented by way of example only, and are notintended to limit the scope of the invention. Indeed, the novel methodsand systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other formswithout departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanying claims andtheir equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications aswould fall within the scope and spirit of the invention.

1. A system for integrating user-specific institutional content formobile delivery, comprising: a communications module configured toreceive, from a mobile device, a request for target institutionalcontent based on source institutional content and an identification of auser; and a processor configured to obtain, from a memory, the targetinstitutional content based on the source institutional content and theidentification of the user, and further configured to provide, to themobile device in response to the request, the generalized institutionalcontent in a format configured for display on the mobile device.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the source institutional content comprises alisting of at least one course, and the target institutional contentcomprises a form by which the user can submit an enrollment request forthe at least one course based on the user's identification.
 3. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the source institutional content comprises alisting of at least one course, and the target institutional contentcomprises a form by which the user can modify information on the atleast one course listing based on the user's identification and theuser's role.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the identification of theuser comprises a geographical location of the user, and wherein thesource institutional content comprises a listing of at least a seconduser, at an institution, associated with the user, and the targetinstitutional content comprises at least a portion of a map of theinstitution, the map comprising an identification of the geographicallocation of the user and the geographical location of the second user.5. The system of claim 1, wherein the identification of the usercomprises a geographical location of the user, and wherein the sourceinstitutional content comprises a listing of a point of interest at aninstitution associated with the user, and the target institutionalcontent comprises at least a portion of a map of the institution, themap comprising an identification of the geographical location of theuser and the geographical location of the point of interest.
 6. Thesystem of claim 5, wherein the target institutional content furthercomprises information on directing the user to the point of interestbased on the geographical location of the user and the geographicallocation of the point of interest.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein thesource institutional content comprises a listing, based on theidentification of the user, of account information associated with theuser, and the target institutional content comprises information ontransactions associated with the account.
 8. The system of claim 1,wherein the source institutional content comprises a listing, based onthe identification of the user, comprising at least one courseassociated with the user, and the target institutional content comprisesinformation on the at least one course associated with the user.
 9. Thesystem of claim 8, wherein the information on the at least one courseassociated with the user comprises a grading of the user's performancein the at least one course.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein therequest is initiated from a web page on the mobile device comprising, inmobile format, the source institutional content.
 11. The system of claim1, wherein the institutional content comprises content for at least oneof an educational institution, government institution, or corporateinstitution.
 12. A method for integrating user-specific institutionalcontent for mobile delivery, comprising: receiving, from a mobiledevice, a request for target institutional content based on sourceinstitutional content and an identification of a user; obtaining, from amemory, the target institutional content based on the sourceinstitutional content and the identification of the user; and providing,to the mobile device in response to the request, the generalizedinstitutional content in a format configured for display on the mobiledevice.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the source institutionalcontent comprises a listing of at least one course, and the targetinstitutional content comprises a form by which the user can submit anenrollment request for the at least one course based on the user'sidentification.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the sourceinstitutional content comprises a listing of at least one course, andthe target institutional content comprises a form by which the user canmodify information on the at least one course listing based on theuser's identification and the user's role.
 15. The method of claim 12,wherein the identification of the user comprises a geographical locationof the user, and wherein the source institutional content comprises alisting of at least a second user, at an institution, associated withthe user, and the target institutional content comprises at least aportion of a map of the institution, the map comprising anidentification of the geographical location of the user and thegeographical location of the second user.
 16. The method of claim 12,wherein the identification of the user comprises a geographical locationof the user, and wherein the source institutional content comprises alisting of a point of interest at an institution associated with theuser, and the target institutional content comprises at least a portionof a map of the institution, the map comprising an identification of thegeographical location of the user and the geographical location of thepoint of interest.
 17. The method of claim 12, wherein the targetinstitutional content further comprises information on directing theuser to the point of interest based on the geographical location of theuser and the geographical location of the point of interest.
 18. Themethod of claim 12, wherein the source institutional content comprises alisting, based on the identification of the user, of account informationassociated with the user, and the target institutional content comprisesinformation on transactions associated with the account.
 19. The methodof claim 12, wherein the source institutional content comprises alisting, based on the identification of the user, comprising at leastone course associated with the user, and the target institutionalcontent comprises information on the at least one course associated withthe user.
 20. The method of claim 12, wherein the information on the atleast one course associated with the user comprises a grading of theuser's performance in the at least one course.
 21. The method of claim12, wherein the request is initiated from a web page on the mobiledevice comprising, in mobile format, the source institutional content.22. The method of claim 12, wherein the institutional content comprisescontent for at least one of an educational institution, governmentinstitution, or corporate institution.
 23. A computer-readable mediumhaving computer-executable instructions for causing a processor toexecute instructions to integrate user-specific institutional contentfor mobile delivery by performing steps comprising: receiving, from amobile device, a request for target institutional content based onsource institutional content and an identification of a user; obtaining,from a memory, the target institutional content based on the sourceinstitutional content and the identification of the user; and providing,to the mobile device in response to the request, the generalizedinstitutional content in a format configured for display on the mobiledevice.